Your vote in a union election is essential in determining your future. Under federal law, elections are decided by a majority of the votes cast—not the majority of Pet Food Experts colleagues affected. By not voting, you give your co-workers the power to decide whether you will be represented by the union—even if you don't agree with that decision.
If you do not want the union to be your sole and exclusive representative regarding your employment at Pet Food Experts, you should vote “no” for “no union.”
For Example…
Say you work on a team with 29 other people and you have an upcoming union election. Only 10 colleagues out of 30 show up to vote, but six of those 10 votes say “yes” to implementing a union. Even though the majority of your team did not cast a vote, those six individuals who voted “yes” got to determine the election's outcome for all 30 teammates.
That's why we encourage every impacted Pet Food Experts employee to vote. Did you know? Even if you signed a union card, you can still vote “no”.
The Voting Process
Once an election petition has been filed, here is what you can expect.
- A Notice of Petition for Election is sent out to all impacted employees from Pet Food Experts. This Notice is also posted in common areas.
- The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) works with Pet Food Experts and the union to:
- Set up an election date, time, and place
- Determine necessary ballot language(s)
- Identify employees who are eligible to vote
- Election Campaign:
- Union representatives will try to convince you to vote for the union until the day of the election.
- The union could call you, wait for you after work, or even show up at your home.
- Pet Food Experts will be required by law to turn over your personal contact information to the union within two weeks of receiving notification that the petition has been filed and an election is to be held.
- Election day is held.
- If a union is voted into place, the bargaining process will begin. This can take a year or longer to complete. Some unions are never able to reach an agreement with an employer after good-faith bargaining.
Where to Find More Information
To the extent we are able, we will answer any questions we can about this issue.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) provides information about employee rights and union elections under federal labor law. You can learn more here:
- NLRB Employee Rights
- Your Right to Form a Union
- How the NLRB Conducts Elections
- NLRB Regional Offices and Contact Information
Joining a union is an important decision. We encourage you to review the information available and think carefully about whether a union is right for you.
We hope this information has been helpful. Pet Food Experts is committed to working together with you to serve our customers and continue building a successful company for all our futures.
We will keep you informed and provide more information on this important matter as it progresses.